Spring is in full bloom in Monterey Park as the city announces its 24th annual Cherry Blossom Festival on April 27-28.
The free two-day event is once again expected to draw thousands of visitors to Barnes Park to experience Japanese and Asian Pacific Islander culture. Highlights will include music and dance performances on two stages, a food court with a delicious spread of Japanese and Asian food, a children’s craft booth, and a full lineup of vendors selling unique crafts and merchandise.
This year, for the first time in its history, the Cherry Blossom Festival will also feature an anime and cosplay exhibition, complete with a costume contest.
On the main stage, this year’s performances will range from classical Japanese dance and vibrant taiko drumming to raucous sets from local music legends Kokoro, Ronin Stones, and many more. Visitors can also watch exhilarating exhibitions of kendo and Polynesian dance, and enjoy the stylings of the Mark Keppel High School Pep Band.
Inside the Barnes Park Gym, cultural exhibitions will feature Japanese calligraphy, a traditional tea ceremony, and a presentation by the Veterans’ Memorial Court Alliance honoring Japanese American veterans.
The Cherry Blossom Festival Marketplace will feature a host of vendors selling merchandise with unique Asian Pacific Islander flair. Community organizations will also be available to offer information and support on a variety of health, social, education, and consumer issues impacting the community.
Families will also have a blast at the children’s craft area making Japanese fox masks.
No festival would be complete without delicious food. This year’s food court offerings will include perennial favorites like chicken teriyaki, Spam musubi, and festive mochi desserts from Little Tokyo’s Fugetsu-do.
The city will be offering free shuttles from Langley Senior Center, Ynez Elementary School, and Repetto Elementary School. The Cherry Blossom Festival is free to the public and made possible with the crucial contributions of community volunteers and financial sponsors.
Visit www.MontereyPark.ca.gov/CherryBlossom for a list of sponsors, or to find out how you can contribute to this annual event.
Barnes Park is located at 350 S. McPherrin Ave. in Monterey Park. For more information on hours, programming and parking visit the city’s website at www.MontereyPark. ca.gov/CherryBlossom, or contact Memo Chavez at gchavez@ montereypark.ca.gov.